The Function of the Command Button and Other Shortcut Keys on MacBook

If you have ever used a Windows-based computer, you must be familiar with some shortcut keys or hotkeys, such as CTRL + V, CTRL + C, and others.

Not only Windows-based laptops or PCs, but Apple MacBook devices also have their own shortcut keys. We will explain one by one the function of the Command button along with the shortcut keys on MacBook that you can use. What are they? Here is a more detailed discussion.

What is the Command Button?

For those of you who have just switched devices from Windows to MacBook, you may be confused with different button functions. One of them is the Command button. The button that is known by the icon "⌘" actually has a similar function to the Control (CTRL) button on devices with Windows OS.

The Command button can be combined with other buttons on the MacBook keyboard. Of course, its function is to perform certain commands. For example, copying and pasting text, closing all running applications or programs, opening Spotlight, and much more.

A Series of Command Button Shortcuts/Functions on MacBook

After briefly discussing information about the Command button, the Carisinyal team will invite you to learn a series of Command button shortcuts or functions on MacBook. Here is the list.

Command + C, V, and X

The Command button can be combined with several other letter keys on the MacBook keyboard. Command + C is used to copy text or files. Meanwhile, Command + V can be used to paste. Both are the same as the functions of CTRL + C and CTRL + V on Windows laptop/PC devices.

Not to be missed, there is also the function of Command + X. This function is useful for cutting text or files.

Command + Z and A

The combination of the Command + Z button is used to perform undo or cancellation. For example, when you make a mistake while typing in Microsoft Word.

Now, to do the opposite, you just need to press the Shift + Command + Z button. On Windows-based devices, this button is the same as CTRL + Z (undo) and CTRL + Y (redo).

There is also the function of the Command + A button. Its usefulness is to select all items such as text or files. The function of this button is the same as CTRL + A on Windows.

Command + M, H, W, Tab, Space, and Comma

Next, there is a combination of Command + M buttons. This can be used to minimize the window of the running application. For example, when you want to minimize Chrome to use another application, you can use this shortcut.

Command + H can be used to hide a running application. When pressed, the application will "disappear" from the dock. If you want to hide all running applications, please press Command + Option + H.

It's different with Command + W. Both of these buttons are useful for closing the running application earlier. If you want to close all applications, you can use this keyboard combination, plus press the Option button.

Then, there is Command + Tab. If you often use the CTRL + Alt + Tab combination, you must understand the function of this button. Command + Tab can be used when you want to switch from one application to another. Hold down the Command button and use Tab to select the application you want to run.

If you want to open Spotlight to search for applications easily, just press Command + Space or space. Spotlight will open immediately and you just need to type the name of the application.

Another rarely known button function is Command + (,) or comma. According to Computerworld, by pressing both buttons at the same time, you can quickly open the preference options of an application.

Command + F, G, Y, N, and O

Looking for a file in Finder or a specific word in a document? Use Command + F or Command + G to continue your search. Using these shortcut keys will save you time and effort. If you want to go back to a previously found item, simply press Command + Shift + G together.

Use Command + Y to open a file without any hassle. For example, when you want to view or peek at a preview of a photo. Don't forget to also use Command + O. This key can help you open the item/file selection dialog. Command + O is the same as CTRL + O on Windows.

Command S, P, and T

The CTRL + S key on Windows devices is used to save a document. Well, if you search for it on a MacBook, just press Command + S to do the same thing. Want to print a task or work document? Simply use Command + P.

If you're browsing in Safari or Google Chrome, just press Command + T to open a new tab.

Command + Shift + A, U, D, and H

Next, there's Command + Shift + A. The combination of these three keys will help you open the Applications folder in Finder. Replace A with the letter U to open the Utilities folder, or with D to open the Desktop folder, and H to return to Home.

Command + Shift + 3, 4, and 5

If you're used to using the PrintScreen (PrtSc) key on Windows, the Command + Shift + 3 combination has the same function. Yes, its use is to take a screenshot.

If you want to take a screenshot of a specific part of the screen, use Command + Shift + 4. Then, select the part of the screen you want to capture when the "+" sign appears. You can also use Command + Shift + 5 to take a screenshot with more advanced options.

Option + Command + Q

There is another combination of three different keys on the MacBook keyboard, namely Option + Command + Q. If pressed simultaneously, your MacBook screen will lock automatically. Replace Option with Shift if you want to log out of the currently used Mac account.

Command + Control + Esc

Although its main function is replaced by the Command key, the Control key is not absent from the MacBook keyboard. If combined with Command and Esc, you can force quit an application. So, use Command + Control + Esc if you want to close an application forcefully on a MacBook.

Command + Shift + N

Sometimes we want to create a new folder without the hassle of right-clicking. Well, just use three keys, namely Command + Shift + N to create a new folder in Finder. After that, you can name the folder and fill it with files as usual.